Boat Camping

Just what is boat camping?

There are basically two options for boat camping.  One is kind of like car camping, but using your boat instead of your car to reach your destination then tent camping on shore.  The other is actually staying (camping) on your boat.  In either case you will need to anchor or moor your boat securely whenever your stop for the night or even just tie up for lunch!

In some ways the cabin on many boats is much like a truck camper.  However, they are usually even more restrictive in size and amenities.  For example, the cabin on a 25' sailboat usually has far less living space than an 8'cabover camper.  Part of that is due to a smaller width (beam) and to the narrowing toward the bow.  And, of course, a good part of the overall length is dedicated to the exterior cockpit so the interior living space may only be about half the boat length, although there is usually storage under the cockpit that is at least partially accessible from the interior and sometimes there is even a bunk under one or both cockpit seats.  Another significant difference is that most truck campers include a furnace to keep things warm on cold nights.  Small boats frequently lack any kind of heating system.  Part of that has to do with limiting weight but is also likely influenced by the fact that boats are mostly used in mild weather.

Some folks like to take their boat to a desirable camping spot, anchor near the shore, and camp on or near the beach.   This gives you the best of both boating and camping since you can have a regular campfire and will be sleeping on solid ground.  Some folks never can adapt to the rocking of a boat so sleeping on board may not be an option for them.  Many times boats are capable of transporting more people than can sleep aboard.  In such cases on-shore camping is a necessity for voyages lasting more than 1 day unless you sleep in shifts (having someone on watch at all times is not exactly a bad idea anyway).  If you are going to camp on shore you need to bring your camping equipment with you on the boat, you will need room to stow it, and you will need some way to get it to shore, perhaps a raft or dingy or you may have to wade ashore with it on your shoulders unless you are lucky enough to have a dock to tie up to for unloading every where you camp.

Whether you are camping on shore or in your boat you will need to anchor your boat safely and securely each night.  Try to choose protected anchorages to minimize the impact of waves and wind on your anchored boat.  Then, if you choose to go ashore, you will need a way to get there and back.  A dingy will let you do it without getting too wet, otherwise wading or swimming will be about your only options.  An ''anchor buddy" can be helpful.  It is a long, sturdy bungie cord that allows you to bring your boat close to shore to disembark, then pulls the boat back out to the moorage after you get off at let go the boat,  Tying up your boat to a dock or designated moorage is sometimes an option.  Be aware that sleeping on your boat is inexplicably prohibited in some marinas, so be sure to check before you tie up and hit the sack.  In such cases there are usually safe areas where you can legally anchor on the lake overnight.

Some folks like to sleep on their boats.  You might have to do this if there are not viable camping spots where you can anchor your boat or you might want to do it just for the fun of it.  If you have any problems with the boat moving while you're trying to sleep this probably isn't a good choice for you.  Sometimes folks might still take advantage of a campfire on the beach and sleep on board their boats instead of setting up a tent.  All depends on what "floats your boat" as they say.  And how many people are in your group and how many people can comfortably sleep on your boat.  You may also need to consider how you will get back and forth between the boat and the camp site.  Wading ashore on a warm afternoon might be just fine, but having to wade back in the cold after dark might not cut it, especially if your boat isn't heated so you can dry out and warm up!  One alternative if you have more in your group than your boat can sleep is to sleep in shifts.  That also lets you have someone awake to keep watch, which isn't a bad idea anyway.

If  you are staying on your boat most of the time you will need to take cooking and sanitation needs into consideration.  Boats with built in sanitation or porta-pottys usually take care of basic needs.  A boat-safe alcohol stove or even a small butane stove may let you cook on board your boat.   Gasoline or propane camp stoves are not recommended for use on boats.  The fumes from the fuel are heavier than air and will collect in the bilge, posing an explosion hazard.  Basic personal hygiene may require a plastic wash basin if your boat doesn't have a sink. although you may be able to occasionally rinse your hands by simply reaching over the side.  Where swimming is permitted that is often a good way to freshen up.  Avoid contaminating the water with biological or chemical products.  Many times the inland waterways we boat on are also sources of drinking water.  I have even seen some reservoirs that prohibit ANY human contact with the water!

Sleeping on board may be an attractive option if you just need some overnight rest along the way to a scheduled destination.  Just drop anchor in a sheltered cove and turn in for the night or an afternoon nap.  Solo sailors on long ocean voyages will sometimes set an autopilot while that catch a few z's. Sometimes you can schedule nap time for various members of your party while you continue your voyage.  It is always a good idea to have someone "on watch" at all times.  You never know when weather, debris, or some errant boater may present a hazard.

If you plan to do any on-shore camping you will need to find room to transport all the camping equipment you need and have a way to get it all to shore when you get there.  In some rare instances there might be a dock or pier where you can tie up.  If not, you will need a raft or dingy or be prepared to wade to get your gear ashore.  I have seen folks use an ''anchor buddy'' that lets them drive the boat right up to where they can step off onto the shore then pulls the boat back out into the water until they need it again.  The anchor buddy is essentially a large bungie cord that stretches to let you reach the shore, then pulls your boat back toward the mooring.   A line tied to the shore can be used to pull the boat back to the shore when you are ready to re-board.   You can purchase an anchor buddy from your favorite marine supplier or you can even find them on amazon.com.  Be aware that, like many commercially available products, they come in varying qualities and costs.  The more inexpensive models may use surgical tubing as the elastic inside the fabric sleeve.  More expensive (and stronger and more durable) versions have solid rubber elastic that holds better and lasts longer.

If you plan to have a campfire you will probably need to bring all your firewood with you,  unless you know for sure firewood will be available at your on-shore camp site.  Never assume you can just gather firewood.  In many cases it there isn't any to be gathered and in a lot of places gathering firewood is illegal.  Some folks like to use driftwood for firewood.  Even where that is permitted (often it is not), many times it is still wet or damp inside, making it difficult to burn and giving off a lot of annoying or irritating visible smoke or vapor if you can get it to burn at all.  Trying to make a campfire out of wet wood is not my idea of a fun evening.  But, sometimes you can get driftwood to burn.  Just ask Les Stroud (Surviorman) who in one episode managed to set his driftwood shelter on fire!

All aboard!